Sectra AB (Sectra), a Sweden based medical device company, has declared net sales of SEK226.1 million for the third quarter of fiscal 2009, up 20%, compared with the net sales of SEK189.3 million in the year-ago quarter. It reported net profit of SEK12 million, or SEK0.32 per diluted share, for the third quarter of fiscal 2009, compared with the net profit of SEK11.1 million, or SEK0.30 per diluted share, in the year-ago quarter.

The group’s net sales for the nine-month period rose 16% to SEK599.5 million (518.4). Profit after financial net increased 71% to SEK64.0 million (37.4), corresponding to a profit margin of 11% (7). Order bookings rose 10% to SEK942.0 million (858.3).

“Increased numbers of customers, employees and partners have contributed to the continued international growth of the company,” says Jan-Olof Bruer, president and chief executive officer of Sectra. “However, the medical systems markets have not avoided being affected by the global economy and it is very difficult to assess how customer demand will be impacted in the short term. We are maintaining our long-term focus on building international distribution channels so that we can meet demand levels when they begin to rise again.”

In the Medical Systems business area, the Mammography product division reported high growth for the current fiscal year. Expansion of the production capacity and the distribution channels for the mammography system Sectra MicroDose Mammography are prioritized activities.

“Sales of the mammography system now comprise more than ten percent of Medical Systems’ net sales. Based on our activities in the mammography area, in the nine-month period we doubled the number of installations of Sectra MicroDose Mammography compared with the year-earlier period,” says Jan-Olof Bruer.

The Secure Communication Systems business area reported stable sales with an operating margin of 15% (13) for the nine-month period.